Abstract: Hydrogeological and geochemical data, in conjunction with the results of an electrical imaging tomographic survey, were examined to determine the main factors and mechanisms controlling the groundwater chemistry and salinity of the unconfined aquifer of Bou-Areg, on the Mediterranean coast of NE Morocco. In addition, statistical and geochemical interpretation methods were used to identify the distribution of the salinity. Multivariate statistical analysis (cluster and principal component factors) revealed the main sources of contamination. Groups A, B, and C in the cluster analysis and Factors 1–3 (Factor 1: CE, Cl−, K+, SO42-, and Mg2+; Factor 2: Ca2+, HCO3-, and pH; Factor 3: NO3-) represent the ‘signature’ of seawater intrusion in the coastal zone, the influence of marly-gypsum outcrops in the upstream zone, and anthropogenic sources, respectively. The ionic delta, the ionic ratio, the saturation index, and Stuyfzand’s method were applied to evaluate geochemical processes. The results obtained indicate, on the one hand, the phenomenon of salinization in both the coastal and the upstream zones, and on the other, the dilution of groundwater by recharge. Cation exchange is shown to modify the concentration of ions in groundwater. Locally, with respect to salinization processes in the coastal zone, the results of electrical imaging tomography show that salinity increases both with depth and laterally inland from the coastline, due to seawater intrusion.

Abstract: Soil and groundwater degradations have taken considerable attention, recently. We studied spatial and temporal variations of groundwater table depth and contours, and groundwater pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and nitrate (NO3) content in a large irrigated area in Western Mediterranean region of Turkey. These variables were
monitored during 2009 and 2010 in previously constructed 220 monitoring wells. We analyzed the data by geostatistical techniques and GIS. Spatial variation of groundwater table depth (GTD) and groundwater table contours (GTC) remained similar across the four sampling campaigns. The values for groundwater NO3 content, EC, and pH values ranged from 0.01 to 454.1 g L−1 , 0.06 to 46.0 dS m−1 and 6.53–9.91, respectively. Greatest
geostatistical range (16,964 m) occurred for GTC and minimum (960 m) for groundwater EC. Groundwater NO3 concentrations varied both spatially and temporally. Temporal changes in spatial pattern of NO3 indicated that land use and farming practices influenced spatial and temporal variation of groundwater NO3. Several hot spots occurred for groundwater NO3 content and EC. These localities should be monitored more frequently and
land management practices should be adjusted to avoid soil and groundwater degradation. The results may have important implications for areas with similar soil, land use, and climate conditions across the Mediterranean region.